BEST BET: Old Town celebrates Mexican spirits

OLD TOWN SAN DIEGO ---- Tourists hungry for a taste of Mexico love visiting Old Town because it's chockablock with Mexican restaurants. But this week, Mexican spirits take center stage.

The ninth annual Spirits of Mexico Festival returns to Old Town with a weeklong series of events expected to draw several thousand fans of tequila, mezcal and other spirits derived from the agave plant. Here's a rundown of events:

•
Tequila Trail:
From 3-6 p.m. Sept. 9, ticket-holders can sample tequilas, mezcals, sotols, bacanoras and other spirits with culinary specialties at 12 Old Town Mexican eateries. Last year, more than 1,000 people walked the trail. This year, organizers are expecting 1,500. As part of the Trail, bartenders at all 12 restaurants will compete in Cointreau's Cocktail Challenge at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Trail tickets are $35. After-parties at Fiesta de Reyes, Casa Guadalajara and Cafe Coyote are $10 more.

•
Spirits of Mexico Tasting Competition
: On Sept. 10 and 11, a global panel of judges will award gold, silver and bronze medals to liquor brands from throughout Mexico.

•
Spirits of Mexico Main Event:
From 7-9 p.m. Sept. 15, distillers, industry experts and brand representatives will host tastings of more than 70 brands and seminars for the public in the McCoy Garden Courtyard on Wallace Street. Tickets are $50-$75 ($25 for designated drivers).

•
Bus Tour:
On Sept. 16, tequila aficionados can board a bus in Old Town for a day trip to Puerto Nuevo, Mexico, for a Baja lobster lunch.